Education

After-school CareBefore- and after-school care is available at a number of facilities, both on and off public school campuses. Check with nearby churches and synagogues, youth and recreation centers and children's activity programs and clubs. You also may enlist help at the public schools: Miami-Dade County 305-995-1899sacc.dadeschools.net/BeforeAfterPrograms/ccLocations.asp Broward County 754-321-3330 www.broward.k12.fl.us/k12programs/bascc Palm Beach County 561-434-8821www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/AfterSchoolProgramming

College Planningwww.floridaprepaidcollege.comChoose from two options in the Florida College Program: Pay a lump sum or in in-stallments, locking in today's college prices for a Florida college or university in the Florida Prepaid Plan, or invest in the market with Florida's new 529 College Plan and reserve money for any college or university costs.800-552-4723

Charter Schools/School ChoiceCharter schools are publicly financed, yet privately run and offer parents another educational option. Check with the School Board office in each county. Miami-Dade 305-995-1403Broward 754-321-2135Palm Beach County 561-434-8929

FLORIDA DIAGNOSTIC AND LEARNINGRESOURCES SYSTEMScreening, evaluation, case management and referral of children with special needs, from birth through age 21. Administered by the public schools.Miami-Dade County 305-274-3501Broward County 754-321-2135Palm Beach County 561-434-7337

CENTER FOR PRECIOUS MINDSwww.centerforpreciousminds.orgProvides evaluations and strategies for students struggling with school, using tech-niques pioneered by Dr. Mel Levine, author of A Mind at a Time. 7000 W. Camino Real, Boca Raton 561-368-8686

EASTER SEAL CENTERS www.easter-seals.orgEvaluation and a variety of therapies, including speech, physical and occupational.Miami-Dade County 305-325-0470Broward County 954-792-8772Palm Beach County 561-471-1688

Exceptional EducationSee also "Resources & Referrals"Each county's exceptional education department is responsible for special education programs to serve learning disabled children and those with other special needs in the public schools.Miami-Dade County 305-995-2027Broward County 754-321-2220Palm Beach County 561-434-8625

ABI'S PLACEEducation & guidance for children with special needs www.abi's place.com 954-753-4441

THE CHILDREN'S TRUSTLeading Miami-Dade funder of after-school programs and summer camps, including programs for children with disabilities; 3150 SW Third Ave., Miami www.thechildrenstrust.org 305-571-5700

Homework HelpHOMEWORK HOTLINESStumped on how to help your child? Try the homework hotlines established by the public schools and staffed by certified teachers.Miami-Dade County 305-995-1600Palm Beach County 561-640-5042

Home Schooling SupportFLORIDA PARENT-EDUCATORS ASSOCIATIONwww.fpea.com Association offers parent support for those currently or considering home schooling. Contact info Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. 877-275-3732

HOME SCHOOL CENTRALwww.homeschoolcentral.com/support/florida_homeschool.htmHome-school curriculum, resources, support, message board and other information and support for families in Florida.

SOUTH COUNTY HOMESCHOOLERSwww.southcountyhomeschoolers.org Delray Beach 561-638-2602

LEARNING DISABILITIESSTATE RESOURCESCHILD FINDwww.paec.org/fdlrsweb/childfind.htmLocates children potentially eligible for services under the Individuals With Disabili-ties Act and links them with needed services (developmental delays and problems in communication, motor development, speech, vision, hearing and cognition).Miami-Dade County 305-274-3501Palm Beach County 561-434-7337Broward County 754-321-2204

CHADD Children & Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder www.chadd.orgNational office 800-233-4050Miami-Dade County, Broward County South & North Dade 954-680-0799Broward County North 954-753-3518Palm Beach County 561-478-5160

EASTER SEAL CENTERS www.easter-seals.orgEvaluation and a variety of therapies including speech, physical and occupational.Miami-Dade County 305-325-0470Broward County 954-792-8772Palm Beach County 561-471-1688

MIAMI-DADE COUNTYMAILMAN CENTER FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENTpediatrics.med.miami.edu/mailmanScreening and evaluation of learning disabilities, developmental issues and parent support groups at the University of Miami School of Medicine.1611 NW 12th Ave., Miami 305-243-6631

COMMUNITY COMMITTEE FOR DEVELOPMENTAL HANDICAPS www.ccdh.orgMiami-Dade County's lead agency to plan, provide, arrange and coordinate free serv-ices to individuals with disabilities and their families 305-596-1160

PARENT TO PARENT OF MIAMI www.ptopmiami.orgNonprofit group assists families with a child or adult with physical and mental dis-abilities through training, referral to community resources and information. English, Spanish and Creole305-271-9797

FLORIDA ALLIANCE FOR ASSISTIVE SERVICES & TECHNOLOGYwww.faast.orgNonprofit organization funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide those with disabilities with the technology to function independently. 11200 SW Eighth St., Miami888-788-9216